Nearly three hours further north by road, perched on a long promontory right at the top of the island and surrounded by mangrove swamps, is Mayabunder, springboard for the remote northern Andaman Islands. The village, which is home to a large minority of former Burmese Karen tribal people who were originally brought here as cheap logging labour by the British, is more spread out and more appealing than Rangat.

Prime Attraction

Beach at Avis Island, Karmatang Beach and mangrove-lined Creeks are the prime attractions of this place.

Karmatang Beach

Karmatang Beach is also a turtle nesting ground. One can view nesting of turtles during December - February season. Swiftlet nest guesthouse of the Directorate of Tourism is very near to the Karmatang Beach. One can go to Kalighat, for Diglipur through the creek by boat from here. The Lagoon Cruise is an enchanting experience

How to Get There

One can access Mayabunder 242-km by road and 157-km by sea from Port Blair. Until the last stretch of the Andaman trunk Road is completed and a bridge across the narrow strait to north Andaman Island constructed just west of Mayabunder, the shortest crossing is the ferry ride to Kalighat. Once a week the Port Blair ferry also calls here en route to Diglipur, but one'll find it less hassle, and a lot quicker, to catch the bus as this boat stops at several off limits islands en route.

Heading in the opposite direction, buses to Port Blair are regular but it is advisable to book ahead, with tickets for the first of five daily government departures going on sale from 3pm the previous day at the bus stand, 2-km from the jetty near the bazaar.